Wake County promotes family support during Child Abuse Prevention Month

Free community events, countywide pinwheel ceremonies planned

Wake County is committed to protecting children by providing parents and caregivers with the tools they need to build safe, stable and nurturing homes. This April, in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the county is hosting events to raise awareness and connect families to vital resources that help prevent child abuse and neglect.

“When we invest in parenting and caregiving, we’re protecting children—we’re ensuring they grow up in stable, nurturing environments where they can thrive,” said Safiyah Jackson of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “By working together as a community to provide support, resources and education, we can disrupt the conditions that promote neglect and abuse and build a brighter future for all children in Wake County.”

Throughout the month, residents are encouraged to participate in activities highlighting the importance of strong family support networks and early intervention.

Events include:

  • April 4 – Go Blue Day
    Wear blue to show support for child abuse prevention.
  • April 16 – Pastries and Prevention, noon:
    220 Swinburne St., Raleigh
    A networking event and awards ceremony recognizing community efforts to prevent child abuse
  • April 26 – Partners in Prevention, noon–2 p.m.:
    224 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh
    Family-friendly activities, resources and entertainment to promote child safety
  • April 28 – Building Positive Childhoods Panel, 2–4 p.m.:
    220 Swinburne St., Raleigh
    Experts and policymakers discuss strategies to prevent child abuse and neglect.
     

Pinwheel-planting ceremonies will take place at locations across the county from April 1 through 11. Visit wake.gov/ChildAbusePrevention to find a ceremony near you.

Resources to strengthen families
Wake County Child Welfare offers Parent Education Services to reduce the risk of abuse and promote positive child development, including:

  • One-on-one coaching
  • Parenting 101
  • Parenting infants and toddlers
  • Parenting adolescents
  • Anger management
     

Through these services, Wake County Child Welfare works to strengthen families, promote healthy child development and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.

Community responsibility and protective factors
Preventing child abuse requires a collective effort. Wake County Child Welfare works to increase protective factors that help prevent abuse and neglect, including:

  • Parental resilience
  • Social and emotional competence of children
  • Parental knowledge of child development
  • Concrete support for parents
  • Social connections
     

Research shows that strengthening these protective factors leads to healthier families and safer children.

For more information about Child Abuse Prevention Month events and how you can help, visit wake.gov/ChildAbusePrevention.

Health & Human Services
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Press Release